The medical procedure used to terminate a pregnancy is referred to as an "abortion," sometimes known as an "induced abortion." There has always been controversy around the practice of abortion and the laws that support it because of different customs, traditions, moral convictions, etc. While some regard ending a pregnancy as a woman's inalienable right, others see it as the murdering of the foetus since they believe it is capable of feeling pain from the moment it grows inside her body.
Legalization of Abortion Internationally
Women now have more access to abortions than they did a few decades ago, with laws restricting abortion being liberalized in about 50 countries. While certain global abortion laws have taken some time to implement, with incremental legislation upheld over time, many reforms have been revolutionary, eliminating all abortion-related prohibitions in favour of women's reproductive liberties.
Nearly 90% of countries permit abortions, at least in cases when the pregnancy poses a risk to the woman's life. There are further grounds, including as when a woman's health is in danger throughout her pregnancy or in cases of rape or incest.
There is a list of some countries which has legalized abortion. They are:
Legalization of Abortion in India:
- Just a few months before the announcement of the Roe case ruling, India passed a new law. The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act was passed by Parliament in 1971 and went into effect on April 1st, 1972.
- Abortion is therefore lawful in India, however only under the strict guidelines set forth by the MTP Act.
Legalization of Abortion in the US:
- The recent ruling on June 24, 2022, by the Supreme Court, overturned Roe v. Wade, which established a constitutional right to an abortion after nearly 50 years.
- In other words, even while there were restrictions beyond the first trimester of pregnancy, the decision upheld the Constitution's protection of the right to choose whether or not to have an abortion.
- The United States of America was among the first nations to liberalize its abortion regulations as a result of this ruling.
Legalization of Abortion in Russia:
- In Russia, it is legal to have an abortion up until the 12th week of pregnancy, and up to 22 weeks if the mother's life is in danger or if the pregnancy is a result of rape. Surprisingly, in 1920, Russia became the first nation to allow abortion for any reason.
- Despite the fact that a broad ban on abortion was reinstated in 1936, it was removed once more in 1955, and access to the procedure has been permitted ever since. Based on data from 2010, Russia led all other countries in the world in the number of abortions performed per person.
Legalization of Abortion in Ireland:
- Ireland decided in 2018 to amend its constitution to eliminate the ban on abortion.
- Nowadays, abortion is legal up until the twelfth week of pregnancy, in cases when the mother's life or health is in danger, or in cases where the foetus has a congenital abnormality.
Legalization of Abortion in Germany:
- Abortions during the first trimester of pregnancy are permitted in Germany as long as the woman has the required counselling sessions at least three days beforehand.
- The counselling requirement may be disregarded in situations involving certain medical conditions or crises.
Legalization of Abortion in Canada:
- In Canada, abortion is legal and unrestricted.
- It is covered by provincial as well as territorial public healthcare systems as a necessary medical operation within 20 weeks of conception and, in certain cases, beyond that, for example, the mother's life is at risk.
Legalization of Abortion in Kenya:
- The 2010 Constitution permits an abortion if a qualified medical practitioner finds that the patient requires immediate attention or if the mother's life or health is in jeopardy due to the pregnancy.
- Under Kenya's penal code, abortion providers may be sentenced to up to 14 years in prison in other situations.
Therefore, it is important to refer to each nation's particular legislation in order to comprehend its position on abortion. You can take the help of lawyers who are knowledgeable about the global abortion laws and their legalities to perform abortion without any violation of the laws of the nation.
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